June 16, 2011

Design Tips For Laguna Beach Home Sellers

by: Ryan Jones

Interest in luxury homes has gone up in recent years, thanks to the housing crunch and the resulting drop in prices. In Laguna Beach, where it’s still pretty much a buyer’s market, sellers are in a much better position to negotiate good deals. But that’s not to say it’s any easier—if anything, since many more homeowners are deciding to sell, you’re in for a lot more competition. To make sure you get a fair price, here are some tips to help you sell your Laguna Beach home in today’s market.

Make More Space

Buyers always like to get more space for their money. While the square footage will be shown on your listing, how big the place looks can also make a difference. Just clearing out some clutter or rearranging your furniture can add lots of visual space to your living room, making it more attractive. You can have a professional designer or staging expert to help you out, or simply move things around on your own. The key is to leave a lot of floor space visible, and keep the furniture from dominating the space.

Open Your Windows

The views are often the selling point of Laguna Beach homes, so make them the focus of your marketing plan. Take photos that showcase the best views from every room. If you have a window that looks out to the ocean, the cityscape, or even just your garden, throw it open and try to arrange everything around it. Even if you don’t have the best views, at the very least, wide open windows let in lots of natural light and make your place look much more welcoming.

Add Some Greenery

Laguna Beach prides itself on being one of the greenest places in Orange County, and the majority of homes can attest to that fact. Manicured lawns, mature trees, and flowerbeds dominate most neighborhoods. Make sure your home fits in—not only does it make it more appealing to buyers; it also tells viewers that you have time to tend to your garden, and thus have the time to care for the rest of the home.

Keep It Neutral

Bright red walls may be edgy, but it’s not for everyone’s tastes. Play it safe by sticking to neutral colors such as beige, brown, or cream. This makes it easier for buyers to picture their own color choices. There’s also a bigger chance that they’ll like the home as it is, and buy it since it doesn’t require a paint job. Unless you’re really sure what your buyer wants, stay away from any bold redesigns or renovations.